NGO Advocacy Work Czech NGOs Advocacy experience Petr Patočka Prague Global Policy Institute - Glopolis

NGOs/CSOs Advocacy work What is the NGO advocacy work Why the NGOs should be involved in policy making The networking The advocacy strategy The advocacy tools and acivities The Czech CSOs advocacy experience How to encrease the advocacy skills

1. What is the NGO advocacy work Definition of the NGO advocacy work: "Advocacy is an effort made towards decision makers on changing a specific policy or law at different levels.„ "Advocacy is a strategy, act or process aimed at bringing about change of attitude, policies, traditions, laws and ideologies for a desired positive result.„ "Advocacy is a process aimed at reversing, improving, changing or containing an existing situation."

1. What is the NGO advocacy work Aims of NGO advocacy Sensitising the public or decision-makers on a specific issue Persuading or influencing decision-makers in a certain direction Provide a solution to a problem that affects the beneficiaries. To create a ‘people-oriented’ government system Defend a right or a benefit

1. What is the NGO advocacy work Who is a target audience? Policy-makers Government officials The public Professional associations (the expert groups) Enterprises / businesses Donor organisations Trade unions NGOs Media

2. Why the NGOs should be involved in policy making The CSOs participation in policy making process can improve the concrete legislative, laws etc., but mainly strengthen the transparency of decision making process and strengthen the public confidence in the politicians and in the democratic system as such Civil society can make a difference!!! People working together can make a difference. Lobbying is a democratic right

3. The networking Why we should to do the advocacy work within the networks/ coalitions? Working together can create pressure on decision makers and legitimacy for the issue Facilitate exchange of information, skills, experience, materials, resources etc. Coordinate activity and reduces duplication of effort Bring together a diverse range of people who would not otherwise meet

3. The networking Why we should to do the advocacy work within the networks/ coalitions? A wide variety of perspectives creates a broader,holistic picture of the issue; enhances problem solving; strengthens outreach and impact; and increases credibility A diversity of talents, work styles and resources in needed to carry out a comprehensive action plan Provide critical mass for change – strength in numbers!!!

3. The networking Can lack clear objectives Some potential problems when working in networks Can lack clear objectives Differing visions of the goal and objectives May be dominated by one powerful organisation Coalition becomes too large and bureaucratic to function May suffer from a lack of trust between members of the network Organizations can lose their own identity

4. The advocacy strategy Identify the issue Research Set goals and objectives Identify target audience Develop the message Build support (by NGOs, public, donors, experts..) Develop implementation and activity plan Implement the plan Revise advocacy plan

4. The advocacy strategy

5. The advocacy tools and activities Policy Research Watchdog Activities Petitions Poster Campaign Networking Demonstrations Surveys Media outcomes Newsletter Lobbying Negotiations Lobby letter writing Meetings Interviews Round Table Press Releases Public Forum Press Briefing

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experience FoRS - Czech Forum for Development Co-operation platform of Czech NGOs and other non-profit subjects, involved in development cooperation FoRS was founded by 15 NGOs and legally registered as an association of legal entities in October 2002 By the beginning of 2009, FoRS already represented 29 member organisations and 17 observers

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experience Structure of FoRS FoRS is governed by all its members represented by the General Assembly. The Executive Board and the Advisory Board are elected by the General Assembly. The Executive Board’s Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson(s) are elected by the Board itself. The daily agenda and the organisational and financial management are carried out by the Secretariat lead by the Director

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experience FoRS Working Groups FoRS member organisations and observers come together into working groups according to the thematic and geographic focus of their activities. FoRS Working Groups are the key way for members of FoRS to involve in common activities . They can participate in the formulation of positions and the overall direction of FoRS

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experience FoRS Working Groups 1. Long-term Working Groups: Policy Working Group Working Group Awareness Working Group Development Education Working Group Development Studies 2. Working Groups formed for the CZ EU Presidency Working Group Migration Working Group Sustainable technologies and Local Energy Working Group Agriculture and Food Security

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experience Policy Working Group Share, gather and disseminate information Recommend joint advocacy work and organise joint lobby meetings Occasionally invite others to share information on specific issues Make proposals for thematic and policy dialogue Coordinate the preparation of policy briefs, lobby letters, documents on policy issues (e.g. AidWatch reports) and proposals for common positions of FoRS

7. How to encrease the advocacy skills For effective advocacy process is necessary to develop within the network or advocacy group the following skills Policy analysis of legal and regulatory issues Language and writing skills How to develop a communications strategy, planning and management Interviewing skills Presentation and negotiation skills PR and media relations Financial management Fundraising skills

Used resources: Advocacy and Lobbying Manual, Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities, Lindblom/Nylund 2006 Advocacy expert, CIVIL SOCIETY AND ADVOCACY, Pact Tanzania Advocacy Manual, Sampark -Advocacy & Communication Consultants NGO Advocacy: Why The Shift, And How It Affects NGO Programing, Catharina Maria

Thank you for the attantion! Prague Global Policy Institute - Glopolis. Jeséniova 10 120 00 Praha 3 Czech Republic E-mail: patocka@glopolis.org Web: www.glopolis.org